Botulinum toxin (Botox) is the most popular nonsurgical procedure performed in the United States. It is safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Here’s what you need to know prior to undergoing the procedure.

Body contouring may consist of one procedure or many procedures that help to alter the shape of your body. Contouring can be completed on the arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks and a number of other areas on the body. The ultimate result is for surgeons to achieve the patient's goal of having a contoured body without extra skin.

A quick way to temporarily expand one's breast size, saline injections are a newer method of breast augmentation that is awaiting approval from the Food and Drug Administration. According to The New York Times, the results last about 24 hours before the saline solution is absorbed into the blood. Because of its short shelf life, some patients seek the injections as a way to preview how they would appear after surgery.

With all of the positive effects of stem cells in medical treatments, some would assume that the same benefits would exist for their use in aesthetic procedures. However, their effectiveness in plastic surgery remains undetermined, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. While their capabilities seem promising, substantial research still needs to be performed to evaluate their use.

News headlines that highlight extreme surgically enhanced physical transformations and certain celebrities can make plastic surgery addiction seem like a common phenomenon. However, it may not be as frequent as the media portrays. While there are some people who find the results of aesthetic procedures addicting, others only undergo one or two procedures to improve their appearance.

While some teachers work on their tans during the summer months, others change their appearance in a different way. Plastic surgery among educators in the months between school years is becoming more common, according to CBS New York. With extended time off from work, the season provides ample time for patients to recover from their procedures.